In 2017, Staffordshire witnessed over 160 ladies between the ages of 30 and 67, lace up their boots to begin or return to football in a fun and enjoyable environment. The introduction of the Staffordshire FA Ladies Over 30s League was a key contributor to this success. However, there are still ladies itching to get involved!

The Staffordshire FA worked in partnership with This Girl Can and Sport Across Staffordshire and Stoke-On-Trent, to create an environment that was comfortable, enjoyable and flexible to cater the needs of Staffordshire’s diverse female community.

Following player consultation, Staffordshire FA is excited to launch the new Mums Play Football initiative for 2018. This programme is designed to allow all ladies the opportunity to try football for the first time. Whether you are a “soccer mum” taking your children to training, a female looking for a new and enjoyable way to keep fit, or looking to return to a fun format of football, Mums Play Football provides the perfect foundation.

Theresa Hilton, who began playing football last year as her daughter joined the SSE Wildcats Girls’ Football Centre initiative, loves how the new format fits around her commitments. “It’s amazing… it gets me out of the house but works around my work and childcare commitments. It's improved my fitness whilst giving me the opportunity to meet new people and enjoy a sport I previously felt excluded from.“

Staffordshire will play host to 8 new Mums Play Football Centres. All of the centres are welcoming and welcoming new players to their sessions. The centres are currently located at:

Burton Albion Community Trust – Burton-Upon-Trent

Black Country FC - Wolverhampton

KN Football Development - Burntwood

Norton Development FC – Stoke-On-Trent

Pelsall Villa Colts FC – Rushall

Stafford Soccer Mums - Stafford

Stoke City Community Trust – Stoke-On-Trent

Wyrley Juniors FC – Great Wyrley

Bethan Woolley, Staffordshire FA Football Development Officer explained “this initiative has helped not only grow female football in Staffordshire, but has also created a complete new meaning of football for so many women.”

“The enthusiasm for the programme has been overwhelming and we are really excited to widen this offer and create further opportunities for a previously unengaged audience.”